ROWLAND HEIGHTS, CA –SEPTEMBER 27, 2011 – Rowland Unified School District is embarking on a new and innovative effort to engage all members of the community and increase involvement in discussions on how to improve schools. The first of a series of planned communication initiatives launches today in the form of a Districtwide Climate Survey. Rowland Unified parents, teachers, staff, and community members are invited to share their perceptions of the district and its programs.

“The Districtwide Climate Survey shares with the community important information about new and existing programs. We are giving everyone the chance to provide feedback on how we can improve,” said Dr. Maria Ott, Superintendent of Rowland Unified. “Future initiatives will include this technology to increase community input. Upcoming studies will provide many opportunities for public involvement, including an invitation for high school students to share their perspectives.”

As part of its effort to conserve resources and include as many people as possible in the conversation, the school district has launched an initiative to collect email addresses from all parents and community members. Those who have provided the district with their email addresses will receive email invitations beginning on September 27, 2011 to participate in the survey. The climate survey is accessible from September 27 – October 14, 2011 through a link posted on the “Your Voice” section of each school’s website and the district’s website, www.rowlandschools.org. It is available in English, Chinese, Korean and Spanish.

Individuals who do not have access to computers may visit the district office (located at 1830 S. Nogales Street in Rowland Heights) or their local library to take the survey online. Residents may also call the school district at (626)854-8352 and request a paper copy of the survey. The goal is to ensure that everyone can easily provide input.

“An important part of our job as school administrators is to listen to the opinions and values of those in our community so we can make informed decisions,” said Dr. Ott. “Partnering with our community gives us direct access to the unique perspectives of every member of our district. The engagement process gives everyone a voice in all the critical decisions we make as we pursue excellence for our children.”

As part of its plan to foster greater transparency and increase its presence in the community, the district will make the results of the current survey, as well as all future surveys, available on the district website shortly after the survey closes. The district also plans to communicate how it will use the collected data to provide the best education for Rowland USD’s children.